BOSTON — A Springfield man wrongfully convicted of a 2008 killing and who spent three years behind bars before being acquitted at his second trial has filed a lawsuit seeking compensation from the state.

Lawyers for Charles Wilhite said Tuesday the suit was filed in Suffolk Superior Court.

The lawyer tells The Republican newspaper (http://bit.ly/1rR7WDg ) that under state law, people erroneously convicted of a felony can seek compensation from the state up to $500,000.